Your Experience at The Clink Prison Museum

Journey down London's historic Bankside to discover The Clink Prison, a landmark that has witnessed centuries of crime, punishment and social change. Once you walk through its original stone entrance, you step into a world shaped by over 600 years of history, dating back as far as 1144. The Clink is regarded as one of Britain’s oldest and most feared jails.

Encounter Infamous Tales

Throughout your visit, you'll be surrounded by gripping stories of those who passed through these cold walls—from petty thieves and debtors to significant figures persecuted for their beliefs. The prison has incarcerated everyone from religious dissenters during the Reformation to Royalist supporters in the English Civil Wars. Notably, you'll learn about John Rogers, the first to translate the Bible into English, and others who played pivotal roles in shaping Britain’s turbulent religious and political climate.

Interact With the Past

Engage with interactive exhibits where you can touch and examine authentic medieval torture devices once used on inmates. Visual and tactile displays help you understand the grim realities faced by prisoners, from the clanging of chains to the mechanisms of punishment. Every artifact and exhibit paints a vivid picture of punishment, justice and daily life behind bars in past centuries.

Discover Dark Histories

The Clink’s infamy wasn’t just for its prisoners, but for the harsh conditions and notorious acts inflicted within its walls. Experience reconstructions and displays portraying the lives of inmates, routine prison practices and the harsh methods designed to extract confessions. Explore narratives of the jailers themselves, responsible for keeping order amid shifting tides of crime and politics.

Learn and Reflect

Beyond the tools of torture, the museum addresses the broader social and economic conditions that led to imprisonment—from minor vagrancies to major political dissent. Personal stories, preserved letters and period artifacts bring to life how The Clink reflected society’s evolving attitudes towards justice and reform.

A Unique London Experience

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, crime buff or simply curious, The Clink Prison Museum offers an educational and immersive visit in the heart of London. Discover the stories, see the artifacts and get a hands-on look into Britain’s dark penal history.

Book your The Clink Prison Museum Tickets tickets now!